A Unique Fair In Ha Giang: Explore The Bustle At Pho Cao Fair

An Overview Of A Unique Fair In Ha Giang

In Pho Cao Fair

Pho Cao is a unique fair in Ha Giang that retains its highland cultural identity intact. Let's learn about its location, architecture, and history!

Where Is It?

Pho Cao Fair is located in Dong Van town, Ha Giang. This fair sits nestled amidst and surrounded by the renowned Karst Plateau Geopark, situated about 100 kilometers away from the Ha Giang city center.

Which Ethnic Minorities Gather At The Fair?

At this fair, you'll find diverse ethnic minorities coming together.

With 17 ethnic groups residing in the area, the fair serves as a melting pot of cultures, traditions, and lifestyles. The majority of the attendees belong to the Hmong ethnic group.

Alongside the Hmong people, you'll also encounter other ethnic minorities such as the Dao, Tay, Kinh (Vietnamese), Nung, La Chi, Giay, Hoa (Chinese-Vietnamese), Pa Then, Lo Lo, Co Lao, Bo Y, Phu La, Muong, Pu Peo, Thai, and San Chay. Each contributes to the cultures that make up the community surrounding this fair.

Beyond being a marketplace, Pho Cao is a place for cultural exchange and mutual appreciation among these ethnic groups.

Ethnic Minorities At The Fair

Architecture & History

This fair has a rich architectural and historical heritage dating back to its construction period from 1925 to 1928.

When viewed from above, the fairground is structured in a convenient U-shape layout. With this shape, it facilitates trade and exchange among vendors and visitors.

Its architecture reflects a blend of Vietnamese and Chinese styles suited to the rugged mountainous landscape of the Karst Plateau.

The prominent features of the fair's architecture include sturdy, imposing columns that are intricately carved and meticulously crafted.

These columns, with their robustness and aesthetic appeal, stand as symbols of strength and resilience amidst the rocky terrain. From outside, the fair looks impressive, standing tall among the valleys.

Pho Cao Fair From The Outside

When Does The Fair Open?

The Pho Cao Fair has regular weekly and special monthly events. Let's break down what happens during these times!

Weekly Opening

Every Sunday, from 5 am to 1 pm, the fair comes alive with activity. Even before the sun rises, local women are busy getting their goods ready to sell or trade.

They bring things like vegetables and small animals. Sometimes, they swap items instead of using money. This tradition gives visitors a taste of old-fashioned trading.

Some families also take the opportunity to purchase essential items such as clothing, meat, poultry, and various vegetables.

After the fair concludes or goods have been exchanged, community members gather to catch up and inquire about each other's well-being.

Weekly Fair

Monthly Special Events

Once a month, around the middle of the lunar month, the fair hosts special events. During these times, people from the Dong Van district organize cultural programs to show off their traditions.

These events let tourists get a deeper understanding of the local culture. You can see unique activities like bird competitions and traditional music performances. You can also join in games and see handwoven cloth.

The festivals are lively, with everyone coming together to eat and drink. It's a chance to experience the warmth and hospitality of the community.

When Should You Visit The Ha Giang Fair?

When Should You Visit

Timing is key to making the most of your visit to this unique fair.

As I mentioned, the fair happens every Sunday. So, you can see local trading and cultural activities weekly. Plus, there's a bigger fair around the middle of each month for even more unique products for tourists to explore.

Besides, I recommend planning your trip around the best time to visit Ha Giang.

For example, September is great for golden rice fields during harvest, while the early months of the year are beautiful with blooming plum trees.

Meanwhile, many travelers eagerly wait for the festive fair season in the third and fourth months of the lunar calendar.

So, choose the time that suits you best. Whether you're interested in trading, enjoying the scenery, or joining cultural celebrations, Ha Giang has something for everyone all year round.

Just consider the seasonal highlights and pick the perfect time to experience the fair!

Golden Rice Fields

What Makes Ha Giang Fair Special?

Although this market is rustic, it has its own unique characteristics that anyone who comes here to experience it will remember forever.

Bustling Atmosphere

The atmosphere at the Pho Cao Fair is lively and bustling, especially during the shopping season when tourists flock to explore.

In the crisp, chilly air of Ha Giang, even before the morning mist dissipates, the roads leading to Pho Cao Fair are already bustling with the sounds of vehicles and lively chatter.

People travel by motorbike, bicycle, or on foot from the mountain slopes to the market. It’s a mix of excitement and urgency.

Ethnic groups don their finest traditional attire and eagerly make their way to the fair, kicking off the liveliest part of the day.

For them, this fair isn't just a place for shopping or exchanging goods; it's also an opportunity for leisure, socializing, and meeting others. So, everyone, especially the women, dresses in their most colorful and vibrant outfits for the occasion.

You can immerse yourself in the trading activities of the local ethnic groups here to gain a deeper understanding of the culture and customs of these people.

Bustling Atmosphere At The Fair

As you step into the fair, you'll immediately feel the energy in the air. People bustle about, chatting animatedly and bargaining with vendors.

The fairgrounds are a whirlwind of activity, with stalls lining the pathways, offering goods for sale. The colorful displays catch the eye with traditional crafts, handmade textiles, and intricately carved wooden items.

Besides, families gather to catch up with neighbors and friends, sharing stories and laughter over cups of hot tea. It's a community event where everyone is welcome to join in the festivities.

Locals Gather To Catch Up With Neighbors And Friends

The Market Has A Variety Of Products Grown And Produced By Locals Themselves

At the market, you'll see locals carrying loads of vegetables and highland goods. Some even bring animals like pigs, dogs, or horses to trade or sell.

You'll see a colorful display of fruits and vegetables grown in the fertile highland soil. Locals grow various crops, from grains like rice and corn to specialty items like herbs and exotic fruits.

Besides the usual goods, you'll find handcrafted items like brocade fabrics and linen textiles. These are made by locals and brought here to sell to the region's indigenous people. You can admire the intricate designs and craftsmanship of these handmade treasures.

The Market Has Products Grown And Produced By Locals

You Can Exchange Goods

At this fair, instead of using money, people swap goods with each other; this means you can trade items based on their value, matching what each person needs.

For example, you see someone with a bunch of vegetables you really want. You don't have money, but you have some handmade crafts or maybe some clothes you no longer need. You can offer those in exchange for the vegetables.

The main area for this swapping is the market itself. It's not like other busy marketplaces where buying and selling happen. Here, the market is only open on certain days, so people have to wait for those days to swap goods.

This way of trading has been happening here for a long time. It's a bit like how things were done in the old days when communities worked together to help each other.

What’s The Best Things To Do At The Ha Giang Fair?

What’s The Best Things To Do At The Fair?

Below are things you should not miss when visiting this unique market. They will make your trip more special!

Enjoy Unique Northeast Cuisine

If you visit the Pho Cao Fair, don't miss out on experiencing the local culinary delights!

The street food stalls offer a wide range of specialties from Ha Giang for you to enjoy. These stills feature even more unique and delicious dishes on weekends or during festivals.

The first must-try dish on the list is Thang Co.

Most Thang Co at this fair is made from horse meat or other livestock cut into small pieces, then carefully stewed to ensure the meat is tender and the broth is rich and flavorful.

Enjoy Unique Northeast Cuisine

If Thang Co hasn't convinced you yet, you should try Men Men or Thang Den. These are also specialties of Ha Giang.

Besides the specialty dishes, the fair offers local delights such as baby porridge, colorful sticky rice, Bac Me bamboo rice, and buffalo meat cooked on the stove. You can taste and purchase them as gifts for your loved ones and friends.

Walking through the fairgrounds, you'll be greeted by the enticing aroma of grilled meats, simmering stews, and freshly cooked rice.

The stalls are filled with colorful food displays, tempting you to sample each mouthwatering dish, whether you're craving something hearty and savory or sweet and indulgent.

But it's also about the experience!

Sitting down to a meal at one of the market stalls, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the fair, you'll feel like you're truly part of the local community, sharing a meal with others.

Buffalo Meat Cooked On The Stove

Buy Local Specialties

When you visit this fair, you'll have the opportunity to purchase renowned local delicacies such as:

• Buffalo meat cooked on the stove

Buffalo meat cooked on the stove is a specialty of Ha Giang that you won't want to miss. This dish involves slow-cooking buffalo meat on a traditional stove until it becomes tender and flavorful.

• Thang Co

In Thang Co, the meat is cut into small pieces and fermented to develop its distinctive flavor. This unique dish is often enjoyed with rice wine or served as a traditional meal. You can purchase Thang Co from local vendors specializing in this delicacy at the fair.

• Corn wine

Corn wine is an excellent choice for those looking to bring home a taste of the Northeastern region. This traditional liquor is made from fermented corn and is known for its smooth taste and unique flavor profile.

Many local producers sell homemade corn wine at the fair, allowing visitors to sample and purchase this popular beverage.

• Handmade crafts

This fair also offers a wide selection of handmade crafts adorned with indigenous patterns. These intricately designed items include textiles, pottery, and woodwork.

You can browse the stalls and purchase these unique souvenirs to bring home as reminders of your time in Ha Giang.

Handmade Crafts

Dress Up As An Ethnic Minority

One of the best things about the fair is that you can dress in the colorful clothes worn by the local ethnic groups. You don't just see the vendors wearing these beautiful outfits; you can buy and wear them, too!

You can pretend to be one of the ethnic minority women standing in the Northeastern landscape, whether you're wearing the clothes of the Hmong, Dao, or Tay ethnic groups. Sounds great, right?

This way, you can experience what it's like to be part of the local culture in a fun way. These dresses are full of bright colors and intricate designs.

Walking around the fairgrounds in these clothes, you'll get smiles and nods from locals and other tourists. It's a chance to make new friends and learn about different cultures!

Dress Up As An Ethnic Minority

What To Do & Not To Do At The Fair

In this fair, there are some things you should be careful about to show respect for the local customs:

What To Do

• It's vital to respect the traditions of the ethnic groups at the fair. I mean, be mindful of their beliefs and practices.

• Showing respect to older people is a big deal in Vietnam. Address them with proper titles and show them respect.

• It's a good idea to wear modest clothes, especially when visiting sacred places or talking to local people.

• Always ask before taking photos, especially of ethnic minorities. Some people may not like it.

• When you eat with others, use utensils and don't touch food with your hands unless it's meant to be eaten that way.

• Make sure to throw trash in the right place or take it with you if there's nowhere to throw it away.

• When you give or receive gifts, use both hands. Show appreciation for the gift.

What Not To Do

• Try not to show too much affection (kissing or hugging) in public, as it might not be appropriate in all situations.

• Some topics, like politics or sensitive history, might make people uncomfortable. It's best not to bring them up.

How To Get To The Fair?

How To Get To The Fair?

The market is about 100 km from Ha Giang city center. Start your journey from Ha Giang and head towards the Km No.0 milestone.

Proceed towards Quan Ba, which is approximately 40 kilometers away from the Km No.0 milestone. Here, you'll encounter the famous Quan Ba Heaven's Gate, a popular check-in spot.

However, during the winter, there might be fog, limiting visibility. If the weather is clear, take the opportunity to capture photos and admire the rice fields below.

As you continue your journey, you'll reach Can Ty Bridge. Here, the uphill route saves you about 20 kilometers but is more challenging and requires skilled driving.

Along the way, you'll encounter various scenic spots and tourist attractions. These include Tham Ma Slope and the Nine-Loop Pass, iconic landmarks of Ha Giang. You may meet other travelers, landscape photographers, and adorable Hong children adorned with flowers.

After passing through these picturesque locations, you're almost at your destination. Then, you'll arrive at the fair after just a short five-minute drive from the Nine-Loop Pass.

Tips For Exploring The Fair

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Tips For Exploring The Fair

• Plan your visit: Check the fair's schedule and arrive early to beat the crowds. Depart from Hanoi on Friday evening to attend the Dong Van market on Sunday morning.

• Dress right: Ha Giang is mostly mountains. So, it can be cold. Wear layers and warm clothes, and good shoes for walking on rough ground.

• Check your ride: If you're on a motorbike, ensure it's in good shape. The roads in Ha Giang are steep and winding, so you need a reliable ride.

• Bring cash: The fair has no internet, so bring cash for buying things. Not everyone takes electronic payments.

• Keep your stuff safe: The fair can be crowded, so watch your belongings. Carry what you need and keep valuables safe.

• Stay hydrated and snacked: Bring water and snacks to stay energized. Take breaks when you need to rest.

Conclusion

Pho Cao is a unique fair in Ha Giang that brings a whole experience! You'll witness ethnic minorities exchanging goods and people chatting and haggling.

There, you can try out local treats, check out traditional performances, meet vendors with stories to share, and fellow travelers ready to swap tales.

So, if you're looking for a taste of Ha Giang's lively spirit, Pho Cao Fair is where it's at. Get ready to visit this fair with Asia Tour Advisor and bring the best memories home! Check out our Vietnam tours package now!